Apparatus for treating substances



C. R. MABEE. APPARATUS FOR TREATING SUBSTANCES.

APPLICATION FILED FEB- 12, 1916. 1 420 647, Patented June 27, 1922.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

wmm

C. R. MABEE.

APPARATUS FOR TREATING SUBSTANCES.

AP LICATION FILED FEB- 12. 1916.

1,420,647. Patented J 11110 27, 1922.

3 SHEETSSHEET 2.

Q vi We/ao C. R. MABEE.

APPARATUS FOR TREATING SUBSTANCES- APPLICATION FILED ms. 12, 1916.

1,420,647. Patented June 27, 1922.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3- iji ti'ii ii'i CHARLES R. MABEE, OF TOLEDO, OHIO.

APPARATUS FOR TREATING SUBSTANCES.

inseam.

Application filed February 12, 1916.

To all 10. 10772 it may concern Be itknown that 1, CHARLES R. MABEE, acitizen of the United States. residing at Toledo, Ohio, in the county ofLucas and (4 l state of @1110, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Apparatus for Treating Substances, of which thefollowing is a specification, reference being had therein to theaccompanying drawing.

This invention relates to an apparatus for treating substancescmitaiuing liquid with a view of changing the consistency of thesubstances, more particularly with a view of e 'aporating the liquids.The invention is designed more particularly as an evaporator.

Heretofore, there have been numerous evaporating systems and apparatusproposed, but as far as now advised, the system which has been morelargely employed, especially in the milk industry. is that known as thevacuum system. Such a system entails the reduction of the atmosphericpressure on the material, requires a large amount of water forcondensing purposes, much time is required for desired evaporation toproper condensation, and it is generally recognized as necessitating anexpensive equipment.

It has also been the practice to treat substances to evaporate theliquid therefrom lay placing the material in bulk or in mass in a heatedcontainer and to stir or agitate the material and cause it toalternately move into contact with and away from the heated surface. Theaction may be designated as the stirring action. In this type ofapparatus, scrapers have been employed which remove the material bodilyfrom the surface.

All apparatus heretofore proposed by others, as far as I am now advised,are expensive and slow in operation. The present apparatus is onewherein many of the objections found in the prior practices are avoided,the material is treated very rapidly; a very high temperature may besafely employed, the fluid or liquid is evaporated in whole 0 in partfrom the material economically and may be stated as one comprisinggenerally the employment of the means whereby the material to be treatedis Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 27, 1922.

Serial No. 77,996.

generated into a thin stratum or layer in proximity to a treatingsurface having a different temperature from that of the material whichis projected in stratum or layer form rapidly over the surface; thevapors are permitted to escape without substantial impedence during themaintained continuity of movement of the material. The'inventioncomprehends also, means for treating the surface during the continuityof movement of the material thereover, in a manner to prevent anysubstantial or detrimental interruption to heat transference orcontinued movement of the material.

The invention may be further definitely characterized as an apparatuswherein arelatively shallow body of material in liquid form or materialcontaining a liquid, is maintained in a substantially concave form, moed rapidly over a heated surface of substantially cylindrical section,while being subjected to the action of centrifugal force which maintainsthe substance in active proximity to the treating surface and at thesame time maintains a free space into which the generated vapors orgases readily pass and escape.

in the hereinafter selected, illustrative apparatus, reference is madeto its employment in connection with milk, although in this particularit is to be-urnlcrstood that the invention is useful for evaporatingfluid, either in whole or in part, from other sill)- stanres. Milk isreferred to in these speciiications, not with a view of limiting the useof the invention, but more particularly with a view of designating aspecial substance which rcqnircs delicate treatment and for which theuse of the invention is well adapted.

in the accompanying drawing a convenient and satisfactory form ofapparatus is shown, but it is to be understood that many variations andchanges may be made therein without departing from the nature andprinciple of the invention.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a longitudinal section taken through the apparatus, showingparts in elevation Figure 2 is an end view looking from the left ofFigure 1;

Cir

and is surrounded by a jacket 3. Tl e on of the drum are part1allyclosed, conv .iently by end plates or caps d, 5 both of which areprovided with openings therein, con venient above the center, asindicated at 4 and 49. The opening 4t may be closed by a removable cap thaving a sight openingl therein. Communicating with the opening t", is avapor outlet pipe (3, the same being shown as broken away at its upperend, and is designed hereinafter explained, to project the vapors awayfrom the machine. On the inner walls of the end plates 4, 5, are flanges"i', 7, having; their innermost edges turned outwardly as shown. forpurposes presently to be described. 8, 8, represent standards, locatedat opposite ends of the machine and provided at their upper ends withbearings in which a horizontal shaft 9 is mounted for rotation. Thisshaft 9 extends through the end plates and treating drum, suitablestul'ling boxes being provided, if desirable. One end the shaftScarriesa driving pul y 9, over which a belt 9 passes, from a h ldriving pulley 9 driven by any suitable power for ra idly driving theshaft.

fidounted on the shaft 9, adjacent the opposite ends of the treatingdrum, and. adapted to rotate therewith, are radiating carrier arms 10,10, each of which is conveniently formed with outstamling POl'lpllOlttlflanges 10 positioned adjacent the wall of the drum. Fixedly secured tothe flanges 10 of the carrier arms are longitudinally disposed metalangle bars 11, the outer or radial flanges of which lie in close 1roximity to the wall of the cylindrical drum. These bars 11 extend fromend to end of the treating drum. Seated on the angle bars, convenientlyin a manner to permit a slight onward movement, are strips 12, the samebeing loosely held to the angle bars 11 by bolts 12 fixed in the stripsand loosely ssing through perforations in the angle bars. This permits arelative movement between the bars and strips, as shown somewhat er.-aggerated in Figure 1 of the drawings, as but a very slight movement isnecessary. Secured to the strips 12, are a series of brushes 13, havingtheir tufts formeo convenieirtly of fibre, arranged to contact undercentrifugal force with the walls of the cylindrical drum. The brushesare, by preference, extended the entire length of the strips, to wipeover the entire treating surface of the drum, and maintain the same inproper polished condition. The yielding nature of the wipers or brushesis important as they do not wear or mar the surface of the container.However, other material than fibre may be employed.

The movable part of the structure thus far described is properlycharacterized a conveyor, and the entire operating part of the structureis p sitioned, will be observed, closely adjacent the wall of the treatdrum. The space between the two oppositely positioned conveyor membersis unoccupied, as will be observer for purposes presently to be stated.Entering the treating crum, conveniently through one of the end caps, isthe supply tube 14 havin its discharge end curved in the direction ofthemovement of the liquid being treated, the same being provider with aregj iiilating valve i l. The exit end f the supply tuliterminatesadjacent the end wall within. the plane ot the flange '7 so that themilk, when the machine is used therewith, will he conducted into theZone of operation.

Located at any convenient point at the extreme opposite end of thetreating drum, is a tangentlally arrang ged outlet opening 15,

angent being in the direc e tion of move ment of the material so thatthe natural tendency of the material as it reaches tais opening will beto escape therethrough. ll ith this opening, a valved discharge conduitl6 communicates for leading the treated material. to any desired placeof" deposit. The valve may, however, be omitted.

itable means for cxtericrly heating may be employed, but in the drawingsis shown a valved steam supply, represented as a main supply pipeprovided with a plurality of branch 2 cs l7 leadin' through the wal ofthe jacket at the top. The main pipe 17 is conveniently provided, withthe pressure regulator 17" diagrannnatically shown, so rat a constanthigh pressure may be 1nain- .l. in the steam j ache-t. A temperature:;cess of 211 F. can be employed sucully in treating n ill: withoutinjury to the product, in fact a temperature as high as 500 F. has beenso employed. The water 0 condensation is allowed to escape through asteam trap 17 at the lower part of the jacket.

In treating certain materials, it is desirable to incorporate therewithsteam, air or other treating substance, and with this in view, theapparatus above described is provided conveniently in its opposite sidel lny su the treating drum walls with a series of oblique inlet openings18, the inclination of the openings being in the direction of movementof the conveyors. Each opening communicates with a supply pipe 19,leading from a suitable source, as for instance, a supply of steam, whensteam is employed as the treating agent. If air is employed, the pipe 19will be coupled with a suitable air supply, conveniently under suitablepressure. It has been ascertained, however, that in the treatment ofmilk for condensation or evaporation, an imperil'orate treating cylinderis advantageous, and such a structure is illustrated in Figure -15,wherein the treating cylinder wall 2 is shown as imperforate. It hasalso been ascertained that in many cases the apparatus can be usedeffectively with the described brushes omitted, in which event theradial flanges of the angle bars 11 may be carried in close proximity tothe treating surface, as shown in Figure t. In this construction theangle bars constitute the conveyors.

In treating substances containing a large percentage of fluid, it hasbeen ascertained that the vapors entering the unoccupied space withinthe center of the treating drum will readily escape through the endopenings, in which particular both of the openings in the ends of theapparatus may be left uncovered. However, it is sometimes desirable toremove the vapor, to a point somewhat remote from the machine, and forthat purpose the conductor pipe 16 is employed, and with a view ofprojecting the vapor through the pipe rapidly, any convenient form ofvapor propeller, such as the fan 20, may be used. This fan may bemounted on a shaft 21, supported in a depending bracket 21 and havingits end passed through an opening in the curved side wall of the pipe 6.The end of the shaft 21 is provided with a small pulley 21 which isbolted to a driving pulley 21, keyed to the main shaft 9, as shown.

The machine can be used and the process practiced, as stated, byremoving the closure for the opening at the left hand end plate, thusestablishing a free circulation of air throughout the machine. Thecurved deecting plates 7, 7, within the machine at the ends are usefulin conducting to the brushes any material that may flow down the endcaps or plates without material agitation.

It will be observed that the interior of the machine is perfectlysmooth, presenting no obstruction to the free movement of the material,and this enables the material, especially if milk is employed in themachine, to move rapidly without impedance. By this means foaming isobviated and a disruption or breaking up of the iilm or layer isprevented. This is important in that it minimizes the danger of theentrainment of valuable constituents of the material and the passingthereof out of the machine with the vapors. It will be observed alsothat the wipers which are shown in the form of brushes in the presentinstance, are employed as wipers, as distinguished from what is known inthe art as scrapers, the latter being employed to remove the entire bulkof the material from the surface and deposit it at different points freefnon'i the surface or proximity thereto. It has thus been ascertainedthat by the use of the brushes or wipers a perfect continuity of actionis maintained, and a concaved layer is formed and projected over thesurface in substantial uniformity throughout the treatment. The surfaceis thereby kept in a polished condition so that very rapid heattransference is secured.

In Figures 6 and 7, there is shown a to rm of apparatus in longitudinaland cross section respectively. wherein the brushes or wipers areomitted. in the particular construction, while designed for thetreatment of certain materials, as for instance tomatoes, or othervegetables or fruit, brewers slop and refuse from mamifacturing plants,the steam jacket which is indicated at 20, has a supply 20 and exhaust20 The iiiterior of the cylindrical drum is supplied with the materialto be treated through the supply 21 having a control valve 21. Theoutlet for the treated material is located diagonally opposite theinlet, as at 22, and this outlet may be supplied with a valve 22, ifdesired. The cylinder is provided with a closed head 23 at one end andat the opposite end there is a head 23, provided with a nozzle 23",which may be carried to any suitable piont of discharge. Surrounding theexhaust outlet and secured to the head 23 is a deflecting flange 24, thepurpose of which is to prevent the material from entering the dischargeand for conducting the same down the end to a point where the inaterialwill be caught up by the rapidly revolving carriers. A shaft 25 isextended through the machine, being suitably mounted in the heads andprovided with a pulley or other mechanism for driving the same. On theshaft at opposite ends are keyed spiders or arms 25 which carry at theirouter ends propelling or carrying blades 26. These are conveniently of Lshape in cross section, their radial portions or flanges extending inproximity to the walls of the drum, as shown in Figure '7. The materialintroduced into the drum is caught up by the conveyors or carriers,projected onto the wall in layer formation and rapidly moved over theheated surface. The material gradually works its way to the far end ofthe cylinder and escapes through the discharge 22, by which time it hasbeen properly treated. By opconstructed and arranged to leave betweenthem and the axis an open pathway for vapors communicating with saidlarge vapor opening and extending from end to end of the container tomaintain an approximately cylindrical stratum of the fluid around thesaid pathway.

3. In an evaporating or condensing apparatus the combination with acontainer having an operating surface which is circular in cross sectionand from end to end intersects axial planes on straight lines, andhaving a relatively large opening for copious discharge of vapors fromthe interior, means for introducing fluid at a point near one end of thecontainer, means for permitting discharge of treated material at a pointnear the other end of the container, means for rel.- atively highlyheating the wall of the container to rapidly form large volumes ofvapors and gas. means remote from the axis rotating rapidly near saidsurface for positively engaging the material and for forcing it radiallyoutward, and cooperating with the container to force the materialcircularly and longitudinally of the axis, said means being constructedand arranged to maintain an approximately hollow,cylindrical stratum ofthe fluid with a quiet central zone communicating with the saiddischarge opening, and positively-acting means for causing the escape ofthe vapors and gases from the container through said opening.

In an evaporating or condensing apparatus the combination with acontainer having an operating surface which from end to end intersectsaxial planes on straight lines, means for introducing fluid at a pointnear one end of the container, means for permitting discharge of treatedmaterial at a point near the other end of the container, means forrelatively highly heating the wall of the container to rapidly formlarge volumes of vapors and gas, and radially narrow means continuouslyrotating rapidly near said surface for positively engaging the materialfor forcing it radially outward, cooperating with the container to forcethe material circularly and longitudinally of the axis. said rotatingmeans comprising devices yieldingly contacting with the said surface andadapted to clean it and assist in imparting to the material themovements aforesaid.v

5. In an evaporating or condensing apparatus the combination of thecontainer having an operating surface which is circular in cross sectionand from end to end intersects axial planes on straight lines, means forintroducing fluid at a point near one end of the container, means forpermitting discharge of treated material at a point near the other endof the container, means for relatively highly heating the wall of thecontainer, and continuously acting powerdriven means for forming acentrally open cylindrical stratum of material on the con tainer surfacecomprising brushes rotating rapidly in contact with said surface whilethe material forming said stratum is also contacting therewith.

6. In an apparatus for treating a substance containing liquid to changeits consistency, the combination of a horizontally disposed cylindricalcontainer, means for applying to the wall thereof a temperaturedifferent from that of the material to be treated, said container havinga vapor escape opening and conveyor mechanism within the containerextending longitudinally thereof and adapted to engage the interiorsurface of the container, said mechanism including a plurality ofindependently detachable brush sections, and means for rotating theconveyor mechanism at a high speed.

7. In an apparatus for treating a substance containing liquid to changeits consistency, the combination of a horizontally disposed open endedcylindrical container; means for applying to the wall of the container atemperature different from that of the material to be treated, conveyormechanism within the container, said conveyor mechanism includinglongitudinally extending members adjacent the inner surface of the wallof the container, and adjustable supporting means for said memberswhereby the latter may be supported in adjusted position with respect tosaid inner surface of the wall of the container, and means for rotatingsaid conveyor mechanism at a high speed.

8. In an evaporating or condensing apparatus, the combination with acontainer having an operating surface substantially circular incross-section, and having a relatively large opening at one end for thecopious discharge of vapors from the central region of the container,means for introducing vaporizable material at a point near one end ofthe container, means for permitting the discharge of treated material ata point near the other end of the container, means for heating the wallof the container sufficiently to rapidly form large volumes of vaporsand gas, means designed to continuously rotate rapidly adjacent saidsurface for positively engaging the material for forcing it radiallyoutward and 00- operating with the container to force the materialcircularly and longitudinally of the axis, said means being constructedand arranged to maintain an approximately hollow, cylindrical stratum ofthe material in contact with the surface with a quiet central zonecommunicating with the relatively large discharge opening, and means forregulating the thickness of the stratum.

9. In an evaporating or condensing apparatus, the combination with acontainer having an operating surface which is submg a relatively largeopening at one end for the copious discharge of vapors from the circularregion of the container, means for introducing vaporizable material at apoint near one end of the container, means for permit-ting the dischargeof treated materialat a point near the other end of the container, meansfor heating the wall of the container to rapidly form large volumes ofvapor, means designed to continuously rotate rapidly adjacent saidsurface for positively engaging the material for forcing it outward intocontact with the surface and cooperating with the container to force thematerial circularly and longitudinally of the axis, said means beingconstructed and arranged to maintain an approximately hollow,cylindrical stratum of the material with a central quiet zonecommunicating with the relatively large discharge opening, and means forregulating the thickness of said stratum, said means includingmanually-controlled valve mechanism.

10. In an evaporating or condensing apparatus, the combination with acontainer having an operating surface substantially circular incross-section and having a rela tively large opening at one end for thecopious discharge of vapors from the central region of the container,means for introducing vaporizable material tangentially into thecontainer in contact with the treating surface adjacent one end of thecontainer, means for permitting the discharge of treated material at apoint near the other end of the container, means for heating the wall ofthe container to rapidly form large volumes of vapors and gas, meansdesigned to continuously rotate rapidly adjacent the treating surfacefor positively engaging the material and cooperating with the containerto force the material circularly and longitudinally of the axis, saidmeans being constructed and arranged to maintain an approximately hollowcylindrical stratum of the material with a quiet central zonecommunicating with the relatively large dis charge opening.

ll. In an evaporating or condensing apparatus, the combination with acontainer having an operating surface which is circular incross-section, and having a relatively large opening at one end for thecopious discharge of vapors from the central region of the container,means for introducing a vaporizable material at a point near one end ofthe container, a tangentially disposed outlet permitting the continuousdischarge of treated material at a point near the other end of thecontainer, means for heating the wall of the container to rapidly formlarge volumes of vapor, and means designed to continuously rapidlyrotate adjacent said surface for positively engaging the material forforcing it radially out-- ward and cooperating with the container toforce the material circularly and longitudinally f the axis, said meansbeing constrrutcd and arranged to maintain an ap proximately hollowcylindrical. stratum of the material with a quiet central zonecomnnmicating with the relatively large discharge opening.

12. In an evaporating or condensing apparatus, the combination of atubular containcr forming a heating surface, means for uniformly heatingsaid container, said container having an inlet adj acent one end for thematerial to be treated, means engaging the material as supplied to forma thin layer upon the interior surface of the container and cooperatingwith the surface to cause the material to move circularly and endwise ofsaid surface, means for permitting the rapid discharge of the vaporsfrom the central zone of the container formed by said layer, means formaintaining a pressure less than atmospheric within the container, andmeans permitting the discharge of the treated material from a pointadjacent the opposite end of the container.

13. In an evaporating or condensing ap paratus, the combination with acontainer having an operating surface which is circu lar incross-section, and having a relatively large opening adjacent one endthereof for the copious discharge of vapors from the central region ofthe container, means for introducing vaporizable material adjacent oneend of the container, means for permitting the discharge of treatedmaterial at a point near the other end of the container, n'icans forheating the wall of the container to rapidly form large volumes ofvapor, means designed to continuously rotate rapidly adjacent saidsurface for positively engaging the material for forcing it radiallyoutward and cooperating with. the container to force the materialcircularly and longitudinally of the axis, said means being constructedand arranged to maintain an ap proximately hollow cylindrical. stratumof the material with a quiet central zone communicating with therelatively large discharge opening, and means for creating a partialvacuum in the container during the operation.

14-. In an evaporating or condensing apparatus, the combination with ahorizontally disposed container havin an operating sur face which iscircular in cross-section, means for introducing vaporizable material ata point near one end of the container, means for permitting thedischarge of treated material at a point near the other end of thecontainer, means for container to rapidly form large volumes of vaporsand gas, means designed to continuheating the wall of the ously rotaterapidly adjacent said surface for positively engaging the material forforcing it radially outward and cooperating with the container to forcethe material circularly and longitudinally of the axis, said means beingconstructed and arranged to maintain an approximately hollow cylindricalstratum of the material with a quiet central zone, and means for rapidlywitl1- drawing the separating vapors in a direction at substantiallyright angles to the force of graflty.

15. in an evaporating or condensing apparatus, the combination of acontainer having an operating surface which is circular incross-section, and having a relatively large opening adjacent one endfor the copious (lischarge of vapors from the central region of thecontainer, means for introduo ing fluid at a point near one end of thecontainer, means for permitting the continuous discharge of the treatedmaterial at a point near the other end of the container, means forrelatively highly heating the wall of the container to rapidly formlarge volumes of vapors, power-driven means designed to continuouslyrotate rapidly near said surface for positively engaging the materialfor forcing it radially outward from the axis and cooperating with thecontainer to force it circularly and longitudinally Off the axis. saidmeans being radially narrow and remote from the axis, whereby they areadapted to maintain an approximately hollow cylindrical stratum of thefluid with a quiet central zone comnmnicating with the said relativelylarge discharge opening, and positively-acting means for causing theescape of vapors and gases from the container through said largedischarge opening.

16. In an evaporating or corulensing agparatus, the combination of acontainer having an operating surface which is circular in-t'()SS-SQLtl0I1, and having a relatively large opening at one end forthe copiousdischarge of vapor from the central region of the container,means for introducing vaporizablc material at a point near one end ofthe container, means for permitting continuous discharge of the treatedmaterial at a point near the other end of the container. means forheating the wall of the container to rapidly form large volumes of apor,and means designed to continuously rotate rapidly adjacent said surfacefor positively engaging the material for forcing it radially outward andcooperating with the container to force the material circularly andlongi tudinally of the axis, said means including yieldahlesurface-engaging parts whereby to maintain the treating surface in acleansed or polished condition, and said means being municating with therelatively large discharge opening.

17. In an evaporating or condensing apparatus, the combination with acontainer having an operating surface which is circular incross-section, said container having an inlet at one end and an outletadjacent its opposite end for the material, and said container alsohaving at one end a relatively large discharge opening in communicationwith the central region of the container for the rapid discharge ofvapors, means for applying heat to the treating surface, and combinedconveyor and wiper members designed to rapidly rotate near said surfacefor positively engaging the material for forcing it radially outward andcooperating with the container to force the material circularly over thetreating surface and simultaneously maintaining the latter in a cleansedor polished condition.

18. In an apparatus for treating a substance to change its consistency,the combination of a tubular container, means for imparting to the wallof the container heat sufficient to vaporize liquid constituents of thematerial to be treated, said container having an inlet for the materialat one end and an outlet for the treated material at its oppositc end,means for causing the material as introduced into the container to beapplied under centrifugal force to the inner surface of the container inthe form, of a circular layer and subjected to rapid rotatable movementwhile in Contact with the tubular wall, and associated means forcontinuously maintaining the: interior wall of the container free fromadhering particles of the material, and said container having a copiousdischarge opening for the free and rapid escape of vapors arising fromthe layer of material in the central zone of the container.

19. In an apparatus for treating a substance containing liquid tocluinge its consistency, the combination of a container having a tubulartreating surface, means for applying heat to the surface, said containerhaving an inlet for the material at one end and an outlet at itsopposite end, said contaiuer also having a relatively large dischargeopening for the rapid escape of vapors, rapidly movable meanspositioned. within the container adjacent the treating surface,cooperating with the walls of the container whereby to form acontinuously movable centrally open cylindrical stratum of the materialon the container surface. and associated means for maintaining saidsurface in a cleansed or polished condition dur ing the movement of thematerial thereover.

20. In an apparatus for treating a substance containing liquid to changeits consistency, the combination of a container having a tubulartreating surface, means for applying heat the surface, aid containerhaving an inletfor the mat rial at one end and outlet at its V ppositeend, said container also having a relatively large dis charge openingfor the rapid escape of vapors, and rapidly movable means positionedwithin the container adjacent the treating surface, cooperating with thewalls of the container whereby to form a continuously movable centrallyopen cylindrical stratum of the material on the container surface saidmeans including supporting devices and yield-able surtace-contactingmeans nioi'ahly mounted on said supporting devices whercby moveoutwardly into cent-act with the tseating wall under centritt igal forcein tne rotatable movement of said supporting devices.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aflix my signature in the resence of twowitnesses.

CHARLES} R. MABEE.

Witnesses:

CALVIN T. MILANS. CARRIE A. KREY.

